Quality at our services

All ECKA Early Childhood Education Services meet or exceed the National Quality Standards and nurture the educational and developmental needs of individual children.

Listed below are details of the Seven Quality Areas by which all ECKA services operate:

The educational program and practice at ECKA managed services is stimulating, engaging and enhances children’s learning and development.
Every child’s health and wellbeing at services is safeguarded and promoted.
The physical environment at all ECKA early childhood education services is safe, suitable and provides a rich and diverse range of experiences.
Staffing arrangements create a safe and predictable environment for children and support warm, respectful relationships.
Relationships with children are responsive, respectful and promote children’s sense of security and belonging.
ECKA develop and maintain respectful and supportive relationships with families.
ECKA believe that effective leadership contributes to sustained quality relationships and environments that facilitate children’s learning and development.

For detailed information regarding each individual ECKA managed early childhood education service please follow Starting Blocks

Choosing Quality Care

Quality and Policies

Introduction

ECKA Kindergartens and Preschools are community based kindergartens that maintain their individuality and local network. While all kindergartens operate within Legislative guidelines, each kinder will operate an individual program to meet the needs of the children and families of that kindergarten. ECKA values the role of the kindergarten in building local support networks with families, often contributing to life-long friendships between the families and children who have shared their kinder years together.

Vision

Every child has the opportunity to explore and realise their potential through access and engagement in quality early education.

Mission

To deliver leading early childhood educational programs that supports every child and their family, and encourages a life long love of learning.

Values

Children – We value the education and care of children above all else.

Community – We encourage community participation and support families to contribute to their child’s early years experiences.

Excellence – We value excellence in everything we do.

Leadership – We achieve the highest standards and deliver the best services to our community.

Collaboration – We value equally all people who contribute to ECKA achieving its shared goals.

Diversity – We believe in a culture based on acceptance, understanding and inclusiveness.

Educational and Recreational Program Provided

The programs offered at ECKA kindergartens follow the guiding principles of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, and involve the integrations of child-directed play and learning; guided play and learning; and adult lead learning.

Early Years Learning and Development Outcomes:

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity -Children feel safe, secure and supported. In order to form a strong sense of self, children need to build secure relationships first within the family and then with caring, attentive adults in other settings.

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world – Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active civic participation. Over time and with opportunity and support, the ways in which children connect and participate with others increase. Participating in their communities strengthens children’s sense of identity and wellbeing..

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing –Children become strong in their social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. During early childhood, the foundations for social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are laid.

Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners –Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators –Children interact verbally and non-verbally with others for a range of purposes.